Agfa UK has reported strong results for the first quarter of 2001, beating targets by 8%.


UK Graphic Systems director Laurence Roberts took the decision to release the results to allay fears about Agfas situation following an earlier statement that global sales were lagging on last year (PrintWeek, 30 March).


I wanted to make the point that if you ignore the US, Agfa is doing fine, he said. Europe is on budget and the UK is doing better than the rest of Europe. I want to boast about it.


Electronics sales have risen 45%, which Roberts believes is a sign of general confidence in the business climate.


The amount of business done at Northprint is another sign that there isnt a recession, he added.


Agfa claims to have over 40% of the UK market for film and conventional plate according to Picon figures and, by its own estimate, 47% of the CTP market.


It would be more if we had more CTP plates to sell, he said. I expect to double CTP plate volumes this year.


Story by Barney Cox